embassy in benghazi last week. >> he was not the type of diplomat to sit in the office and attend receptions and just be a formal person. he was a man of the people. >> i'm perfectly aware that there was danger. but there was danger almost every place he went. >> reporter: stevens' mother said she learn long ago not to worry. she says her son inherited his curious and outgoing nature from his grandfather and was on the go from the start. in fact, trips to the park kept her on her toes. >> chris, would take off. across toward the street and i would run out and get him and bring him back. he would take off in other direction and i would run off and get him. he was a really active little guy. so he wasn't always -- and just kind of, you know, busy. >> reporter: and he didn't stop. he studied abroad in high school and college. and did a continue in the peace corps before ultimately teague a career in the foreign service. but the east bay remained home and ties to his family stayed strong. >> he was a great big brother. he watched over his brother and his sisters and he -- sister, and he was a re